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Resilience – The Journey of a Determined Entrepreneur Alexander Odhiambo’s Path to Success in Africa’s Business Heroes Competition

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Its mission is to spotlight and grow local talent who are creating a positive impact in their communities and beyond and to inspire a movement of African entrepreneurship

In entrepreneurship, resilience usually makes the difference between winning and losing. Alexander Odhiambo, who co-founded and leads Solutech Limited, exemplifies this spirit. His experience in the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) Prize competition shows the resolve that drives successful business owners. Alexander tried twice to reach the Top 10 group. His persistence finally paid off when he claimed the 2nd Runner-Up spot in the 2024 Grand Finale, winning US$150,000.

ABH is the Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic program in Africa to support entrepreneurs. Its mission is to spotlight and grow local talent who are creating a positive impact in their communities and beyond and to inspire a movement of African entrepreneurship. Over ten years, the program will recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and provide grant funding, training programs and broader support for the African entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Lessons from Alexander’s ABH Journey

Alexander’s ABH journey teaches us about not giving up. Many business owners might quit after one failure, but he saw each experience as a chance to learn. His initial attempts got him to the Top 50 and then the Top 20, but he didn’t let these stops hold him back. Instead, he improved his business plan and how he spoke about it, and he became a much stronger and more determined leader. He delivered motivational talks in Kigali, Rwanda, and later in Cairo, Egypt. He took every “no” as a lesson, trying again each year with new energy and determination. When he stood on the big stage at the 2024 ABH finale, it proved he was right – not just about his business but about believing in keeping at it and always getting better.

Commenting on his achievement, Alexander says, “Resilience is not just about trying again – it’s about learning, adapting and growing stronger with every challenge. My journey with ABH has proven that perseverance and continuous improvement are the true keys to success.”

A Career Built on Resilience

My journey with ABH has proven that perseverance and continuous improvement are the true keys to success

Alexander’s resilience didn’t start with ABH. His entrepreneurial path began years earlier with several ventures that put his ability to handle challenges to the test. As a new university graduate, he tried out different business ideas, and each experience shaped his view on what it takes to succeed. To him, resilience isn’t about trying again; it’s about adapting, learning, and seeing failures as stepping stones instead of setbacks. His take on failure is straightforward: Every mistake teaches you something, and every challenge gives you a chance to grow. This outlook has helped him turn challenges into opportunities for growth, shaping him into the business leader he is today.

Solutech Limited: Growing Through Determination

At the core of Alexander’s journey is Solutech Limited, a company he co-founded with the dream of transforming enterprise software solutions in Africa. Back in 2014, the rapid growth of Kenyan manufacturers and distributors highlighted some serious challenges – like a lack of field visibility, operational hiccups and poor decision-making.

These issues meant that many companies were struggling to grow, often seeing little to no progress, and facing low employee productivity. Recognising this gap in the market, the founders of Solutech – Alexander Odhiambo, Mutie Mule, Rayyidh Bayusuf and Jinal Savla – set out to make a difference. They formed an all-in-one SFA software, known as Solutech SAT, designed to support small, medium and large manufacturing and distribution companies, as well as sales and marketing agencies across Africa.

Resilience has been a key ingredient in the company’s success story. From building partnerships to scaling operations and fine-tuning its product offerings, perseverance has finally paid off. The US$150,000 prize from ABH will elevate Solutech into its next growth phase, enabling the company to broaden its reach, upgrade its technology and further strengthen its position in the market.

Alexander’s Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Looking back on his journey, Alexander shares some valuable insights for fellow entrepreneurs: Firstly, perseverance is essential. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, see them as chances to learn and grow. Secondly, every experience is a learning opportunity. Whether you face a failed pitch or a business deal that didn’t go your way, there’s always something valuable to take away from it. Also, make the most of platforms like ABH. They aren’t about securing funding; they also provide helpful networking opportunities, mentorship and exposure that can help take your business to new heights. Build a solid team, because no entrepreneur achieves success in isolation. Having the right people around you can make a world of difference. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking and mentorship. The right connections can unlock doors that sheer persistence might not be able to.

2025 ABH Applications Are Now Open

African entrepreneurs who want to enter the 2025 edition of the competition and stand a chance to win a share of US$1.5 million can do so at  AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/register.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week Confirms 19 August Date for Houston Industry Showcase

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Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August, convening U.S. energy leaders ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The organizers of Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) have confirmed that the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August 2026 at The Post Oak Hotel. Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the event will bring together U.S. energy companies, investors and policymakers to explore commercial opportunities ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas in February.

The showcase will feature Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao as a keynote speaker, providing an update on Venezuela’s energy priorities, investment agenda and opportunities for international partnership. Her participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening engagement with global industry as it seeks to expand production and unlock new upstream investment.

Bringing together exploration and production companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers, engineering firms, technology companies and financial institutions, the Houston Industry Showcase will examine opportunities across exploration, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and field development.

As Venezuela works to increase oil and gas production, demand is expected to grow for the technical expertise of U.S. service providers in drilling, well intervention, completion services, production optimization, artificial lift, digital oilfield technologies and infrastructure rehabilitation. Houston-based industry leaders – including SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford and a broad network of EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers and specialized service companies – are well positioned to support the modernization of mature fields, improve operational efficiency and deliver the technologies and services needed for future upstream projects.

The Houston event follows a successful Industry Showcase in London, which brought together international investors, operators and energy service companies to explore Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape. Building on that momentum, the Houston edition will deepen engagement with the U.S. energy industry and strengthen commercial dialogue ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

Venezuela Energy Week – the country’s largest energy investment platform to date – has been confirmed for 22–25 February 2027 in Caracas. Organized by Energy Capital & Power, the event will bring together government leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from across the global energy value chain.

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 19, visit https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery
Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4hkvteE).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Secures New Patent for Smart Stabilization System from Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

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The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org) is pleased to announce that the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has granted a new patent for its innovative Smart Stabilization System.

 

The patent was granted on 10 July 2026 under Singapore Patent No. 10202250873B for the invention titled “A Computer Network Stabilization System and Method.” The patent application was filed on 1 September 2022 and was formally granted following a comprehensive review process.

This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms and advanced simulation models, the system is designed to anticipate supply and demand imbalances and implement programmable stabilization measures before they escalate into market disruptions.

Unlike traditional stabilization mechanisms that rely on capital reserves, buffer funds, or external interventions, the Smart Stabilization System introduces a next-generation framework for achieving autonomous market stabilization through proactive and programmed stabilization mechanisms. By incorporating distributed ledger technology and cryptographic trust mechanisms, the platform enhances transparency, trust, and operational resilience for digital asset and commodity markets.

The successful patent grant reflects IsDBI’s growing contribution to technological innovation and its commitment to developing knowledge-based solutions that address contemporary economic and development challenges.

Since filing the patent application back in 2022, the Institute has continued to advance the Smart Stabilization System through ongoing development and testing, aimed to expand its practical applications and support future capitalization opportunities. These advancements have positioned the system as a potentially transformative solution for enhancing stability and resilience in increasingly digital and interconnected economies.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, said, “The grant of this patent by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore further strengthens the Institute’s position as a leader in developing innovative knowledge-based solutions that leverage modern technologies to address complex development challenges. This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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